military chiefs to break down the barriers. a u.s. marine captain has done two tours in afghanistan, it is not about gender. >> i want to make the point that we are not looking to just reserve a spot for women, we are trying to give people a chance to compete for the spot. some women cannot do it just like some men cannot do it. the policy being repealed it says that they have a chance. >> the vast majority of britain's armed forces have already been opened up to women but there is still one significant exception. women continue to be barred from what is called close combat roles. in the british armed forces, when men are already flying fighter jets and serving on warships. soon, they will be allowed on submarines. on the ground, they are working as bomb disposal experts and medics, often under fire. three british servicemen have already lost their lives. this is one retired general who does not believe they will be equal in battle. >> cannot afford to have anything but the fittest, strong is the most determined people engaging with t